Sky Blue Oyster

Summary

The Sky Blue Oyster Mushroom is a stunning blue-coloured mushroom that tastes as good as it looks.

Known by its botanic name of Pleurotus columbinus, the sky blue oyster mushroom grows in large, shelf structures comprising of dense, overlapping clusters of individual fungi.

Easy to grow and producing significant and bountiful flushes, the sky blue oyster mushroom has become a commercial success with its subtle savoury flavour a popular choice in kitchens around the world.

The Mushroom Emporium Sky Blue Oyster Mushroom grow kit is one of our most popular grow kits. Easy to grow, it produces a beautiful, big flush of healthy and tasty mushrooms. The same growing kit also produces a very good second and even third flush.

The Sky Blue Oyster Mushroom Description and Taste

Instantly recognisable by its big bright blue caps, the sky blue oyster is a beautiful mushroom. As it matures, the blue lightens to a less appealing grey. Under the caps, which can grow up to 35cm in diameter, you will find soft, fleshy white fan-like gills.

Sky Blue Oyster mushrooms taste slightly metallic when raw, and their aroma before cooking can be reminiscent of the seashore. They are more tender than many other oyster mushrooms, but despite their tenderness, the Sky Blue Oyster is actually a hardy mushroom that grows easily. 

The Sky Blue Oyster mushroom has a subtle earthy and nutty taste, a pleasant aniseed-type aftertaste. It has a thick and fleshy texture that can even be spongey. It is not as nutty in taste as, say, the Princess Pearl oyster mushroom. The stems are chewy but not too chewy, and they are usable when cooking.

What are the Uses of the Sky Blue Oyster Mushroom?

Because of the thick and fleshy texture of the sky blue oyster mushroom, it makes a great meat substitute in most dishes. The sky blue oyster mushroom is also a great addition to any risotto, stew, pasta, or soup because of its subtle but distinct earthy flavour.

The sky blue oyster mushroom is also a popular replacement for seafood dishes, adding a similar flavour and texture,

Although edible raw and added to salads, the sky blue oyster mushroom gives a slightly metallic taste and is much better utilised when cooked.

Studies such as that of Zhang et al,  have shown that the sky blue oyster mushroom can help reduce tumor sizes and inflammation and treat high cholesterol. It can also help maintain a healthy digestive system and improve energy levels. 

Nutritional Value From the Sky Blue Mushroom Grow Kits

The sky blue oyster mushroom is a tremendous source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to providing high levels of protein, you can also rely on the sky blue oyster mushroom for high levels of iron, copper, and riboflavin.

Low in calories and high in fibre, the sky blue oyster mushroom is a healthy and nutritious addition to any diet.

How to Store Sky Blue Oyster Mushrooms?

The sky blue oyster mushroom is best stored in the refrigerator for 3 – 7 days. 

Do not wash or rinse the mushrooms with water. Instead, clean with a damp towel. Place in a paper bag or paper towel in the middle of the refrigerator. This will allow them some airflow to breathe and extend their freshness. Do not allow them to get wet and soggy; they perish very quickly when they are soggy.

To freeze, cut into smaller slices and place in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for 6 – 12 months frozen. 

Dried sky blue oyster mushrooms can be rehydrated in a bowl of warm water.

Out in the Wild

The sky blue oyster mushroom is a vigorous mushroom that grows well in colder climes. Found growing wild in much of Asia, North America, and Europe, it feeds primarily off dead or decaying wood and seems to favour beech, oak, maple, chestnut, and birch trees. 

The sky blue oysters will generally fruit in Spring and Autumn. However, the sky blue oyster mushroom grow kit will fruit all year round.